2 good

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the first of the series I've seen at the cinema, the rest I've watched previously on DVD. You can't deny they're engaging stories, good versus evil, good people wear white and get hurt, bad people wear black and get the best lines. Maybe I should read the books now.

Recently, I was lent a copy of The Shack by William P Young. Its a work of fiction, but within its story it attempts to answer some of the key questions regarding God, Christianity and faith. The website says there are 7 million copies in print and is highly endorsed. Not an easy read for me, but I'll be reading it again soon, it really is that good, highly recommended.

Getting better

We've moved office locations in York, and the parking situation has changed from good to dire, so I've resorted to cycling the 5 or so miles each way. The weather has been kind so far, but I know after September it'll get more interesting. Its doing me good, I really try and push on, I can even say I like it some days - especially cutting up those pesky cars.

Nine Black Alps at the Duchess (22nd June) supported by Airship and the Federals. Only 2 of the Federals are playing tonight, drummer and lead guitar, and were better for it, reminded me of the White Stripes. Airship were a real surprise, somewhere between Arcade Fire and Interpol, I shall be looking out for these again. Nine Black Alps were as I remembered them from a few years ago - good songs, loud, heavy, energetic, passionate. Touring and record sales have given them confidence, they are better musicians and altogether tighter. Recommended.

Its Saturday (11th July) and Breathing Space at the Roman Bath, this is the 3rd time I've seen them at this venue and each time they improve. Tonight Bryan Josh of Mostly Autumn is standing in on lead guitar and they showcase several songs from their forthcoming CD Below The Radar. As a result is was an altogether rockier set but in keeping with their 'sound', I'm looking forward to the CD. The rain was pouring down as we left the venue so we headed over to a nearby shop doorway for shelter, where we spent an hour chatting, joking and speculating on a wide variety of subjects. It was still pouring down as we left but I didn't mind, it was a great evening.

Cruising at 50

A Night for Heroes at the Duchess in York was a celebration of Howard Sparnenn. Howard was a drummer in and an influence on a number of York bands, and 6 bands were performing tonight in celebration of his memory and to support "Andrea's Gift" charity. £8,000 was raised and a good time was had by all.

Series 2 of The Wire has started and I'm not liking it as much. It follows on from the Series 1 and many of the lead characters are the same, but there is a bunch of new ones as the story is based around the docks. My favourite characters Bubbles and Omar are still around. It'll grow on me I know as I get into it, and there are 3 more Series to embrace after this one.

My first cruise was in 1994 on the river Nile, this was a small boat, fewer that 100 guests - no children allowed. The visits to tombs and temples were in the early morning before the heat became too much, then sailing to our next destination during the afternoon and evening. You were never far from the river banks, always something to see. It was relaxed, friendly and intimate, and the sights exceeded my expectations by far.
As part of my 50th celebration we took a family cruise holiday in the Med, preceded by 3 days in Barcelona (which was nice). The Navigator of the Seas has 14 decks, a climbing wall, well stocked gym, numerous small pools and jacuzis, a 3 tiered main restaurant, huge buffet restaurant, library, several bars and cafes .... it was massive. Lots of entertainmnet, things to do and spend on whilst the ship sailed between ports. The staff were excellent, expecially with our children and we all had a good time. If you've never had a cruise I can recommend both types.

No film recommendations, but I'm reading An American Future by Simon Schama (he presented the excellent 'A History of Britain' on BBC). Its more about the past events that influence current day America and its politics, you need to concentrate to keep up, but the effort is worth it.

Spring

Over the last few weeks Spring has come to good ol' blighty - the gloom of winter has gone, the sun is shining, bushes and trees are greening, skylarks are singing. I love this time of year.

The obligatory film recommendation is The Departed, starring Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, and is a remake of Infernal Affairs. Its about two moles, one in the crime syndicate, the other in the cops, neither aware of the other. Watch both of them.

My first gig outing of the year is Chantel McGregor at the Roman Bath (14/3). She is an extraordinarily talented guitar player with a good voice. Solidly backed up by a drummer and bass player, who like the Jimi Hendrix Experience are overshadowed by the lead. About 100 minutes of faithfully reproduced superb blues/rock classics that looked effortless.

The following Saturday (21/3) has The Yards and Hope&Social at the Duchess. H&S played a short 20-25 minute set wearing their new blue blazers. They'd had a troubled day and seemed jaded as a result, but still good nonetheless. Tonight The Yards were launching Imperial Measures, their second album. Back to full strength (Jon Hargreaves on keyboards has been absent for the last few gigs while studying) and occasionally backed by 3 violins, a cello and 2 singers their set included songs from the new CD plus several favourites. They were so impressive I bought the CD.

Series 1 of the Wire has been keeping my evenings busy. Its violent, full of swearing, funny, sad and compelling. I'm glad my family live in this quiet village of Strensall.

As I decorate the bedroom of my youngest, the following music has been keeping me sane: Wake The Sleeper from Uriah Heep, Imperial Measures and Ring Of Fire: The Legend of Johnny Cash. I'm enjoying the music so much this room could take forever.

February

Having enjoyed watching the History of Scotland on BBC2 recently I've decided to explore the history of the island of my birth. So I'm now reading A New History of Ireland by Christine Kinealy. Its not a happy tale, there is abundant prejudice, neglect and ethnic cleansing, with Ireland the pawn of the Kings, Queens and governments of England.

A Clergyman's Daughter by George Orwell. I really wanted 1984 but they were all checked out at the library. Revealing if not a happy book, I kept confusing the book's period setting of the 1930s with the Victorian age due to the callous treatment of the poor and destitute. George Orwell wrote from his own personal experience, in many respects the poor are still treated as badly today.

In 2007 I was taken by a cover version of Numb by Jamelia when Radio 1 celebrated their 40 years of broadcasting. I checked out the original from Linkin Park and then bought Meteora from Zavvi a few weeks before they closed for business. At about 38 minutes its not the longest album, but the quality of the songs are great.

And just when you think winter was waning, more snow.

Film recommendations (January)

First of all 2 films set in Japan. Memoirs of a Geisha - set in the 1930/40's its a beautifully shot story of a young girl raised to become a Geisha. It reminded me of The Hidden Blade a film I'd seen sometime in 2008. Both stories are about honour, service and obediance, and of course love. Of the two I prefer The Hidden Blade - its story is more subtle.

The Reader - Kate Winslett earned a Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress award for her role in this new release. At one point in the film she asks the question 'What would you have done?' which has made me think about my attitudes to the world around me.

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster - a fascinating documentary from 2004 about the near breakup of the band, its recovery and return to touring promoting St. Anger.